‘Gold standard’: Veteran 9News anchor Andrew Lofthouse announces retirement after 17 years at network

A Channel 9 anchor has broken down on air paying tribute to her colleague - a veteran journalist and news anchor who announced his retirement after 17 years at the network.

A Channel 9 news anchor has broken down on air while paying tribute to her colleague and co-host - who announced his retirement from 9News after 17 years with the network.

Andrew “Lofty” Lofthouse, the anchor for 9News Queensland, on Monday said he was stepping down from the network after more than a decade anchoring the Sunshine State’s news bulletins alongside his on-air partner, Melissa Downes.

Mr Lofthouse cited health reasons for his departure.

He first joined 9News Queensland as a weekend presenter, before transitioning into the weekly spotlight a year later where he has been a “daily constant” in the lives of viewers, 9 said in a statement.

9News Queensland anchor Andrew Lofthouse (left, with co-anchor Melissa Downes) has announced his retirement after 17 years with the network. Picture: Supplied

Over his 17 year tenure with the network – 16 of which were alongside Ms Downes – he delivered some of the state’s biggest stories, including the devastating 2011 and 2022 floods and live broadcasts from Cyclone Yasi’s impact zone, Christchurch after its earthquake and from Paris during the Olympic Games last year.

During Monday night’s bulletin, Ms Downes began to choke up as she paid tribute to “Lofty” - calling him “one of the true gentlemen of television”.

“I thought I would at least get through the intro!” Ms Downes laughed as she spoke about her colleague.

Ms Downes choked up on air as she paid tribute to her colleague on the 6pm bulletin. Picture: Supplied / Channel 9

Highlights from Mr Lofthouse’s career were played during the bulletin. Picture: Supplied / Channel 9

The bulletin followed with a montage of Mr Lofthouse’s career - as he explained in a recorded video that he was dealing with a “health issue”.

“Now is a good time for me to pull back, slow down a little after this dream career,” he said.

“Thank you for putting your faith in me, and in us.”

At the end of the bulletin, Ms Downes tearfully thanked Mr Lofthouse for his years of service.

In a recorded video, Mr Lofthouse said it was the best time for him to ‘pull back’ after he revealed he was battling a health issue. Picture: Supplied / Channel 9

“Congratulations. Enjoy retirement, more time with your beautiful family, and life on the other side of the screen.”

9News Queensland News Director Brendan Hockings called Mr Lofthouse a “rare gem” and “exceptional talent”.

“He is the journo who offers to carry the tripod. The colleague who makes you a cuppa. The news anchor who doesn’t see himself as any more than part of the team,” Mr Hockings said.

“The example he has set as a newsman is the gold standard.

Mr Lofthouse has delivered some of Queensland’s biggest stories over his illustrious career. Picture: Supplied

Mr Lofthouse has presented the news with Ms Downes for 16 years. Picture: Supplied

“He is rare, he is loved and he is forever Nine Queensland.”

Speaking on his retirement, Mr Lofthouse thanked the viewers who “made it all worthwhile” and said: “It’s been an amazing privilege and a wonderful experience with the best in the business.”

“I’m currently dealing with a bit of a health issue so now is a good time for me to pull back and slow down a little after a dream career,” he continued.

“Thanks for watching!”

Ms Downes will continue to present 9News Queensland until a co-presenter is appointed.

Originally published as ‘Gold standard’: Veteran 9News anchor Andrew Lofthouse announces retirement after 17 years at network